Asking the right questions?

Framing or in other words asking the correct question, is probably more important than the answer itself. A correct question will probably achieve more than an answer, for an answer needs mainly memory where as the question will often require intelligence and analysis.

Why should anyone question in the first place? This is because we most often become what we question.
Rene Descartes said "I think therefore I am."

The questions referred to here are not the general type of conversational ones. The reference here is rather to those questions that have a bearing on our personal lives and work; in fact to our very being and existence.

For our discussion's sake, there are mainly two types of people in this world.
First the reasonable people and secondly the unreasonable people.
The reasonable people don't ask questions and accept the way things are, they adjust themselves to fit into existing structures, systems and environments.
Unreasonable people don't accept the status quo and hence ask questions, they try to change things and the environment to to meet their expectations.
Thus it would be reasonable to state that all development, change or progress can only be brought about by 'unreasonable people', the ones who question.

Not all questioning need be public or loud. Mikhail Gorbachev, had many questions but kept them to himself and a few trusted lieutenants. He became the General Secretary of the Soviet communist party and leader of Soviet Union in March 11th 1985.
Soon after he became leader, he moved with rapidity to introduce real reform, which led to dismantling of the Soviet Union and weakened communism and eventually helped usher in a new world order. The merits of the question are not being discussed, just the implications are.

On the other hand, vociferous questioners are often perceived as trouble-makers, rebels and 'unreasonable people.'
Not all questioners have good or noble intentions and 'churn the pot' merely for purposes of entertainment or to seek attention.

Are they necessarily bad, evil or useless?
On the contrary, by their actions, these loud protestors, demonstrate clearly that they possess energy and some presence of mind. This is not always bad, as an effective person or leader can actually engage such questioners and channelise this energy to useful purposes.

Unfortunately our education system and society frowns upon anyone who raises any questions. The system comprising, homes, educational institutions, job environment is currently spawning generations of people who are more adept at answering questions rather than asking them.

Why then should we decry the rise of bigotry, prejudices, violence and continuing decline of our society?